Weekly Roundup (15-19 April 2013)

19 April 2013

Shakespeare Week

The Shakespeare Birthplace Trust is planning a Shakespeare Week for children in primary schools. Their aim is that every child in Britain understands the playwright's legacy through drama, cookery and sport lessons. Read here

Shortage in primary school places

Nearly 5,000 London children have failed to get a place at any primary school they want to go to. Experts warn that London is facing a schools crisis, with 90,000 more places needed to cope with growing demand. Read here

Ofsted warns of pre-school failings

Almost a quarter of a million youngsters are being let down by nurseries and childminders that are not good enough. Children in the most deprived areas in the country are likely to be the most affected. Read here

Youth unemployment still "dangerously" close to a million

Unemployment has increased by 70,000 to 2.56 million, with another rise in the number of young people out of work. The total is the worst since last summer, giving the UK a jobless rate of 7.9%, with 979,000 16 to 25-year-olds seeking work. Read here

Museums urge Gove to rethink history curriculum

In an open letter to education secretary Michael Gove, representatives from the Museums Association, Association of Independent Museums, National Museum Directors' Council, and the Army Museums Ogilby Trust, have called for a change to the proposed new history curriculum as it threatens school trips to museums or heritage sites as part of the kids' learning experience. Read here

Hyperlink Youth Arts Festival

A three day festival produced by and for young people is coming to the Tate at the end of this month. The festival will include installations, performances and workshops by visual artists, designers, gastronomists and musicians. Read here

Have we inspired a generation?

The Legacy Trust UK has undertaken a research to find out how London 2012 has made a difference young people. London 2012: Have We Inspired A Generation? will present some of the research findings, debate the impact for young people and ask: What difference have we made? And what next? Read here

Creative Employment Programme

Creative & Cultural Skills have announced three more Creative Employment Programme road show dates in May and June for East and West London. The sessions will provide more information about how to apply to this new Arts Council England fund. Read here

Owning the Arts

As part of the Holloway Arts Festival, 'Owning the Arts' is a one-day conference aimed at artists, community activists, creative practitioners, producers, educators and anyone who is interested in issues of participation and engagement in the arts. The conference is taking place on 3 June 2013. Read here

Clore Poetry and Literature Awards

The Awards are open to schools, colleges, community groups and other arts/cultural organisations, and fund poetry and literature initiatives for under 19s. Closing date is 1 May 2013. Read here